HELP FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH ASPERGER'S & HIGH-FUNCTIONING AUTISM

Education and Counseling for Individuals Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Aspergers and Dietary/Therapeutic Considerations

Aspergers and high functioning autism are neurobiological disorders that has no known cause or cure. For this reason, a number of alternative therapies have been tried to improve the symptoms of Aspergers and other spectrum disorders.

8 comments:

Anonymous
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I am not a firm believer in the gluten/casein free diet, but I am a huge advocate on food sensitivities affecting our ASD kids in a marked way. A friend of mine had her ASD daughter tested for allergies and sensitivities through an alternative medicine doctor. Among the MANY sensitivities there was an issue with wheat, but no issues with casein. She adjusted her child's diet to avoid as many of the foods on that list as she could and the change in her daughter's behavior was HUGE!

We've been using Natural Factors' brand "Tranquil Sleep" for our ASD son and entire family for the last month, and it has helped all of us feel more rested. Our DS15 seems to be sleeping better and uses more language since we started this. It's a combo of melatonin, 5-HTP and L-theanine. And the chewables taste really good.

We tracked my aspie son's diet for a month. Turned out it was food dyes, especially RED dyes. After doing some research, we all are avoiding the dyes as much as possible now! They are some NASTY, nasty stuff! The change in my son is remarkable. It has really changed my thinking about what causes autisim spectrum problems.

Any artificial colours, especially orange / red / yellow, MSG, aspartame and gluten. He's also better dairy free but it doesn't make a huge enough difference. There are other triggers as well (apples, almonds and other cyanides) but those aren't generally in his diet so we don't actively avoid them. He's nearly 18 now and extremely good at self-policing his diet. Just as well since he's heading off to University in the autumn.

We had my son tested for food allergies and eliminated those items as well as artificial flavors and colors. He is on fish oil, attentive child, ginko, melatonin (to sleep) and b-12 complex. Most people meet him and never have a clue he has Aspergers. It never used to be this way.27 minutes ago · Like

a supplement called eye Q, its specificaly recommended for adults and children on spectrum,can be got in chemists here in u,k,my doctor actualy recommends it for all on spectrum,its a mix of oil of evening primrose and omega 3 fish oils,my husband and children take it,helps keep the calmer and helps concentration,but must not be taken if the person has epilepsy,22 minutes ago · Like

My son has allergies so I have always been very careful with his diet - but have to admit we saw a difference when changing to GFCF (Gluten Free/Casein Free) I also supplement with Omega 3 oils - Eye Q is great but unfortunately my lo cannot handle the tablets yet as he battles to swallow them. I also avoid anything with colourants or too much added sugar ....17 hours ago · Like

My child has been rejected by his peers, ridiculed and bullied !!!

Social rejection has devastating effects in many areas of functioning. Because the ASD child tends to internalize how others treat him, rejection damages self-esteem and often causes anxiety and depression. As the child feels worse about himself and becomes more anxious and depressed – he performs worse, socially and intellectually.

How to Prevent Meltdowns in Children on the Spectrum

Meltdowns are not a pretty sight. They are somewhat like overblown temper tantrums, but unlike tantrums, meltdowns can last anywhere from ten minutes to over an hour. When it starts, the Asperger's or HFA child is totally out-of-control. When it ends, both you and your child are totally exhausted. But... don’t breathe a sigh of relief yet. At the least provocation, for the remainder of that day -- and sometimes into the next - the meltdown can return in full force.

Parenting Defiant Teens on the Spectrum

Although Aspergers [high-functioning autism] is at the milder end of the autism spectrum, the challenges parents face when disciplining a teenager on the spectrum are more difficult than they would be with an average teen. Complicated by defiant behavior, the teen is at risk for even greater difficulties on multiple levels – unless the parents’ disciplinary techniques are tailored to their child's special needs.

Older Teens and Young Adult Children with ASD Still Living At Home

Your older teenager or young “adult child” isn’t sure what to do, and he is asking you for money every few days. How do you cut the purse strings and teach him to be independent? Parents of teens with ASD face many problems that other parents do not. Time is running out for teaching their adolescent how to become an independent adult. As one mother put it, "There's so little time, yet so much left to do."Click here to read the full article…

Parenting Children and Teens with High-Functioning Autism

Two traits often found in kids with High-Functioning Autism are “mind-blindness” (i.e., the inability to predict the beliefs and intentions of others) and “alexithymia” (i.e., the inability to identify and interpret emotional signals in others). These two traits reduce the youngster’s ability to empathize with peers. As a result, he or she may be perceived by adults and other children as selfish, insensitive and uncaring.Click here to read the full article...

Highly Effective Research-Based Parenting Strategies for Children with Asperger's and HFA

Become an expert in helping your child cope with his or her “out-of-control” emotions, inability to make and keep friends, stress, anger, thinking errors, and resistance to change.